Michael Harriot
@michaelharriot.bsky.social
Journalist, writer, former member of the Six Heartbeats. Championship-level spades player. ContrabandCamp.com founder. Author of NY Times bestseller: Black AF History: The Unwhitewashed Story of America.
Welfare is why the average white household has 9x more wealth than the average white family.
When the govt started giving out mortgages and building whites-only suburbs after WW2, it worked.
Welfare did that
Conversely, there hasn't been a SECOND that Black homeownership reached 50%
When the govt started giving out mortgages and building whites-only suburbs after WW2, it worked.
Welfare did that
Conversely, there hasn't been a SECOND that Black homeownership reached 50%
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Welfare is why the average white household has 9x more wealth than the average white family.
When the govt started giving out mortgages and building whites-only suburbs after WW2, it worked.
Welfare did that
Conversely, there hasn't been a SECOND that Black homeownership reached 50%
When the govt started giving out mortgages and building whites-only suburbs after WW2, it worked.
Welfare did that
Conversely, there hasn't been a SECOND that Black homeownership reached 50%
But we were still buying up all this cheese and other BS. So in the 1940s, the USDA came up with a brilliant marketing plan:
1. They taught kids the "basic food groups" – stuff white farmers produced (to be fair, I might die without butter)
2. Congress passed a law REQUIRING schools to serve milk
1. They taught kids the "basic food groups" – stuff white farmers produced (to be fair, I might die without butter)
2. Congress passed a law REQUIRING schools to serve milk
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
But we were still buying up all this cheese and other BS. So in the 1940s, the USDA came up with a brilliant marketing plan:
1. They taught kids the "basic food groups" – stuff white farmers produced (to be fair, I might die without butter)
2. Congress passed a law REQUIRING schools to serve milk
1. They taught kids the "basic food groups" – stuff white farmers produced (to be fair, I might die without butter)
2. Congress passed a law REQUIRING schools to serve milk
This was also the beginning of farm subsidies. The USDA gave farmers money to mechanize farms & bought everything they produced. They bought so much dairy products, the government set milk prices. So even farmers who DON'T sell to the govt. technically get government assistance.
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
This was also the beginning of farm subsidies. The USDA gave farmers money to mechanize farms & bought everything they produced. They bought so much dairy products, the government set milk prices. So even farmers who DON'T sell to the govt. technically get government assistance.
But how was a bank or a mortgage lender supposed to know if negroes were around?
The used color-coded maps of approved neighborhoods. While housing segregation existed before "Redlining," the US GOVERNMENT certified the racist idea that Black people existing devalued home values
The used color-coded maps of approved neighborhoods. While housing segregation existed before "Redlining," the US GOVERNMENT certified the racist idea that Black people existing devalued home values
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
But how was a bank or a mortgage lender supposed to know if negroes were around?
The used color-coded maps of approved neighborhoods. While housing segregation existed before "Redlining," the US GOVERNMENT certified the racist idea that Black people existing devalued home values
The used color-coded maps of approved neighborhoods. While housing segregation existed before "Redlining," the US GOVERNMENT certified the racist idea that Black people existing devalued home values
We know 40 Acres & a Mule, but what about the 80 acres?
After the Civil War, Congress took 46 million acres that was re-re-repossessed from Natives to be given to freedmen and Union veterans in 80-acre parcels. It SPECIFICALLY excluded Confederates
Guess who got it?
The welfare Kings.
After the Civil War, Congress took 46 million acres that was re-re-repossessed from Natives to be given to freedmen and Union veterans in 80-acre parcels. It SPECIFICALLY excluded Confederates
Guess who got it?
The welfare Kings.
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
We know 40 Acres & a Mule, but what about the 80 acres?
After the Civil War, Congress took 46 million acres that was re-re-repossessed from Natives to be given to freedmen and Union veterans in 80-acre parcels. It SPECIFICALLY excluded Confederates
Guess who got it?
The welfare Kings.
After the Civil War, Congress took 46 million acres that was re-re-repossessed from Natives to be given to freedmen and Union veterans in 80-acre parcels. It SPECIFICALLY excluded Confederates
Guess who got it?
The welfare Kings.
Have you ever heard that Oregon has the ugliest, most racist white people? It's because of welfare
In 1850, the US tried to build an all-white state. But only single white men showed up, so they had to create the biggest land welfare program in history.
I WISH I could make this shit up.
In 1850, the US tried to build an all-white state. But only single white men showed up, so they had to create the biggest land welfare program in history.
I WISH I could make this shit up.
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Have you ever heard that Oregon has the ugliest, most racist white people? It's because of welfare
In 1850, the US tried to build an all-white state. But only single white men showed up, so they had to create the biggest land welfare program in history.
I WISH I could make this shit up.
In 1850, the US tried to build an all-white state. But only single white men showed up, so they had to create the biggest land welfare program in history.
I WISH I could make this shit up.
But they weren't done. In 1813, the government kicked the Cherokee, Choctaw & Muskogee out of the white neighborhood & sold the land for $1.25 an acre.
BC of "Alabama Fever" enslavers got "mortgages" using their slaves as collateral, left town with the $ AND THE SLAVES & moved to AL
Welfare fraud
BC of "Alabama Fever" enslavers got "mortgages" using their slaves as collateral, left town with the $ AND THE SLAVES & moved to AL
Welfare fraud
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
But they weren't done. In 1813, the government kicked the Cherokee, Choctaw & Muskogee out of the white neighborhood & sold the land for $1.25 an acre.
BC of "Alabama Fever" enslavers got "mortgages" using their slaves as collateral, left town with the $ AND THE SLAVES & moved to AL
Welfare fraud
BC of "Alabama Fever" enslavers got "mortgages" using their slaves as collateral, left town with the $ AND THE SLAVES & moved to AL
Welfare fraud
Instead, FOUR DUDES bought up all the land. To make things right, the government paid the dudes MORE MONEY, handed out the land & changed the name to something befitting a housing project filled with white welfare recipients:
And that's how we got Alabama & Mississippi
Welfare
And that's how we got Alabama & Mississippi
Welfare
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Instead, FOUR DUDES bought up all the land. To make things right, the government paid the dudes MORE MONEY, handed out the land & changed the name to something befitting a housing project filled with white welfare recipients:
And that's how we got Alabama & Mississippi
Welfare
And that's how we got Alabama & Mississippi
Welfare
Anyway, When my radical anti-capitalist students would blame capitalism for slavery, I would remind them that the slave-owners were not capitalists. REAL capitalists believe in A FREE MARKET. A true capitalist wouldn't require a clause in the Constitution making EVERY AMERICAN a slave-catcher
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Anyway, When my radical anti-capitalist students would blame capitalism for slavery, I would remind them that the slave-owners were not capitalists. REAL capitalists believe in A FREE MARKET. A true capitalist wouldn't require a clause in the Constitution making EVERY AMERICAN a slave-catcher
By the way, my favorite thing about George Menefie was when Va Gov. John Harvey smacked the shit out of him for talking shit during a Va. council meeting. A brawl broke out and everybody started throwing hands
Whew, the GHETTO!
(It's their culture)
Whew, the GHETTO!
(It's their culture)
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
By the way, my favorite thing about George Menefie was when Va Gov. John Harvey smacked the shit out of him for talking shit during a Va. council meeting. A brawl broke out and everybody started throwing hands
Whew, the GHETTO!
(It's their culture)
Whew, the GHETTO!
(It's their culture)
Virginia's even recorded the names of the migrant workers. On April 19, 1638, George Menefie received 3,000 acres for 60 "servants." But there's only 37 names.
What happened?
He received 1,150 acres, an area about the size of Harlem, for 23 unnamed "negroes..."
Behold the first welfare check.
What happened?
He received 1,150 acres, an area about the size of Harlem, for 23 unnamed "negroes..."
Behold the first welfare check.
October 31, 2025 at 12:26 AM
Virginia's even recorded the names of the migrant workers. On April 19, 1638, George Menefie received 3,000 acres for 60 "servants." But there's only 37 names.
What happened?
He received 1,150 acres, an area about the size of Harlem, for 23 unnamed "negroes..."
Behold the first welfare check.
What happened?
He received 1,150 acres, an area about the size of Harlem, for 23 unnamed "negroes..."
Behold the first welfare check.
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October 30, 2025 at 6:52 PM
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Let’s talk about race…No not that one. But also that one
Part 1:
Part 1:
October 30, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Let’s talk about race…No not that one. But also that one
Part 1:
Part 1:
Yesterday was proof that 2 MAGA billionaires can turn off the internet
Anyway, anything good on Netflix?
Anyway, anything good on Netflix?
October 22, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Yesterday was proof that 2 MAGA billionaires can turn off the internet
Anyway, anything good on Netflix?
Anyway, anything good on Netflix?
I know why.
It’s supposedly cursed
The story of the Regent diamond is absolutely bonkers
It’s supposedly cursed
The story of the Regent diamond is absolutely bonkers
October 20, 2025 at 7:20 PM
I know why.
It’s supposedly cursed
The story of the Regent diamond is absolutely bonkers
It’s supposedly cursed
The story of the Regent diamond is absolutely bonkers
Stephen A. Smith entering a political discussion:
October 18, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Stephen A. Smith entering a political discussion:
Police have released a photo of the suspect in the attack on Mitch McConnell
October 17, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Police have released a photo of the suspect in the attack on Mitch McConnell
Contrary to popular belief, white supremacy is not extra-strength racism. And, according to a thing called a dictionary, white supremacists and white nationalists are as different as alligators & crocodiles
Let me explain.
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Let me explain.
Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com and get the Wake-up Call in your inbox!
October 16, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Contrary to popular belief, white supremacy is not extra-strength racism. And, according to a thing called a dictionary, white supremacists and white nationalists are as different as alligators & crocodiles
Let me explain.
Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com and get the Wake-up Call in your inbox!
Let me explain.
Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com and get the Wake-up Call in your inbox!
Today’s wake-up call is about TPUSA Blexit tour of HBCUs
Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com and get a wake-up call in your inbox!
Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com and get a wake-up call in your inbox!
October 13, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Today’s wake-up call is about TPUSA Blexit tour of HBCUs
Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com and get a wake-up call in your inbox!
Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com and get a wake-up call in your inbox!
Speaking of online propaganda…
Today, in less than 10 minutes the Wake-Up Call explains why we should ignore Van Jones’s genocide joke and, instead, interrogate the “critical race theory” part of this conversation
Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com and get a Wake-Up Call in your inbox.
Today, in less than 10 minutes the Wake-Up Call explains why we should ignore Van Jones’s genocide joke and, instead, interrogate the “critical race theory” part of this conversation
Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com and get a Wake-Up Call in your inbox.
October 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Speaking of online propaganda…
Today, in less than 10 minutes the Wake-Up Call explains why we should ignore Van Jones’s genocide joke and, instead, interrogate the “critical race theory” part of this conversation
Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com and get a Wake-Up Call in your inbox.
Today, in less than 10 minutes the Wake-Up Call explains why we should ignore Van Jones’s genocide joke and, instead, interrogate the “critical race theory” part of this conversation
Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com and get a Wake-Up Call in your inbox.
Introducing The Wake-Up Call
In 10 minutes or less, hear unique perspectives on culturally relevant topics. It’s smart. It’s quick. It’s Black & It’s in your inbox every morning!
You don’t have to be “woke” to Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com
We’ll give a Wake-up Call
In 10 minutes or less, hear unique perspectives on culturally relevant topics. It’s smart. It’s quick. It’s Black & It’s in your inbox every morning!
You don’t have to be “woke” to Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com
We’ll give a Wake-up Call
October 1, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Introducing The Wake-Up Call
In 10 minutes or less, hear unique perspectives on culturally relevant topics. It’s smart. It’s quick. It’s Black & It’s in your inbox every morning!
You don’t have to be “woke” to Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com
We’ll give a Wake-up Call
In 10 minutes or less, hear unique perspectives on culturally relevant topics. It’s smart. It’s quick. It’s Black & It’s in your inbox every morning!
You don’t have to be “woke” to Subscribe to ContrabandCamp.com
We’ll give a Wake-up Call
I was traveling, so sorry about the video quality, but someone had to say this:
September 13, 2025 at 4:03 PM
I was traveling, so sorry about the video quality, but someone had to say this:
Pablo Torre might be the first podcast to win a Pulitzer because that Steve Ballmer interview on Sportcenter left everyone feeling like:
September 5, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Pablo Torre might be the first podcast to win a Pulitzer because that Steve Ballmer interview on Sportcenter left everyone feeling like:
2015. Selma to Montgomery March. I took one of most random photos ever taken. No further explanation needed
IYKYK
IYKYK
August 22, 2025 at 1:19 AM
2015. Selma to Montgomery March. I took one of most random photos ever taken. No further explanation needed
IYKYK
IYKYK
My favorite fact about Alina Habba is NOT that she graduated from 1 of the worst law schools in America
Or that she served as lead counsel on exactly THREE cases before unsuccessfully representing Trump
It’s that the highest position she ever held was…
You gotta read it for yourself
But DEI tho
Or that she served as lead counsel on exactly THREE cases before unsuccessfully representing Trump
It’s that the highest position she ever held was…
You gotta read it for yourself
But DEI tho
July 22, 2025 at 9:52 PM
My favorite fact about Alina Habba is NOT that she graduated from 1 of the worst law schools in America
Or that she served as lead counsel on exactly THREE cases before unsuccessfully representing Trump
It’s that the highest position she ever held was…
You gotta read it for yourself
But DEI tho
Or that she served as lead counsel on exactly THREE cases before unsuccessfully representing Trump
It’s that the highest position she ever held was…
You gotta read it for yourself
But DEI tho